As many as 70 people became ill after consuming product from Kenosha supermarket

Officials from the Department of Health Services (DHS), the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and local health officials from Kenosha County, announced today that pork carnitas purchased at Supermercado Los Corrales in Kenosha May 8-10, 2015 are the source of Salmonella that made as many as 70 people ill and required hospitalization of seven people.

Interviews with the individuals who became ill revealed that most had consumed pork carnitas purchased from Supermercado Los Corrales that weekend. Lab tests conducted by DATCP and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) confirmed that Salmonella with a matching DNA fingerprint was in samples of the product and in samples from those individuals who became ill.

Upon the completion of the investigation, Supermercado Los Corrales has re-opened its entire operation, including where the carnitas were prepared. Health officials have worked with the store to review and improve their food safety protocols with the goal of preventing future outbreaks.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, which typically lasts 4 to 7 days. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, or vomiting. Symptoms generally appear 18 to 26 hours after exposure. Salmonella contamination can occur in commercially prepared food, as well as food prepared at home.